Katie O’Neill ’03
As an English major, Katie didn’t foresee a career in sales. But those dinner table conversations with her father and grandfathers (who sold insurance, vacuum cleaners, and meat) had more influence on her than she realized. She works for Bacardi, U.S.A., and believes she’s found the perfect use for her skills.

“It was a blind home run,” she says of her first job out of college.

In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Katie earned a certificate in communications, and sought a job in advertising, public relations, or marketing. Just when she was about to “go scoop ice cream on Nantucket,” she got a call from Career and Employment Services about a position at Bacardi’s office in Norwood, Mass. She interviewed with Alicia (Hermanowski) Garbarino ’95.

Katie’s job as a sales representative involved talking to retailers, building displays, and providing product information. “It uses every aspect of the communication field, from public relations to journalism,” she says. “I love being out there talking to people, establishing rapport and building relationships.”

Katie was recently promoted and moved to Manchester, N.H., where she helps train and manage a group of 30 sales representatives. She still goes “on premises” three or four days a week. Her hours are often long, since sales calls at restaurants and clubs are usually made in the evening.

“Saint Anselm is the reason why I have this job that I love,” says Katie. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for the college. Being in the President’s Society is a great way to express my gratefulness.”

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